Because the federal government has usurped powers of law enforcement and taxation that Constitutionally belong to the states? Because the powers that are not explicitly granted to the federal government belong to the state or individuals, not vice-versa?
True, but it appears that Boulder wants to be independent when it comes to cooperating. Sort of like a 17 year old that thinks hes an adult and can do whatever he wants now even though he thinks hell do it while living in his parents home. You can try, I suppose, but it comes at a price.
In this case there should be no more federal funding for highways, schools, after-school programs, health care, parks, business development, maintenance of infrastructure, environmental clean up, agriculture, law enforcement or anything else. Not just for Boulder, but for the state of Colorado. Then the state can lean on the city and they will fall right in line.
It shouldnt be a big deal because the Constitution doesnt specify federal subsidies for healthcare, for instance, anyway. They like independence, they get it 100%, not half-assed independence where they refuse to cooperate while keeping their mouth on the teat... I know it won't happen but it should.